Michael Noonan
Ceist:248 Mr. Noonan asked the Minister for Finance the take up for his proposals to allow tax relief for park and ride facilities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23299/00]
Written Answers. - Tax Reliefs.
In the Finance Act 1999, I introduced accelerated capital allowances of up to 100% for capital expenditure on the construction or refurbishment of park and ride developments in or near designated urban areas which provide parking facilities for commuters using public transport. Relief is also available for expenditure on the construction or refurbishment of related residential developments which are located at park and ride facilities. Guidelines on the operation of the scheme were issued by my colleague, Deputy Noel Dempsey, Minister for Environment and Local Government in August 1999. The guidelines set out various criteria which a park and ride development and residential developments which are located at park and ride facilities must meet in order to qualify under the scheme. The scheme will operate for a three year period from 1 July 1999.
The 1999 Finance Act, also provided for capital allowances for commercial developments located at these park and ride facilities. However, guidelines are not yet available in relation to the commercial development element of these park and ride facilities because this aspect of the scheme was notified to the EU Commission as is required under state aid rules. Guidelines may not issue until approval is received from the EU Commission.
Certification of a development for the purposes of obtaining relief under the scheme is carried out by the relevant local authority. The Dublin transportation office has indicated that interest has been expressed by a number of developers who have had pre-planning discussions with them, and it is understood that some schemes are currently being designed. However, on the basis of information to hand, it seems that no local authority has issued a certificate to date.